I woke up at 3:15am. I guess I was a little excited. After all, it's not every day that you get to go to Antarctica.The shuttle picked us up at 5:05am and took us back to the CDC. Maureen let us in and we all went right to our luggage.
Luggage has been my only area of concern. I wasn't sure what to bring. Stacy gave me a list, PolarTREC gave me a list, and USAP provides a list. They are all similar but there are differences. In addition, I live in a warm climate and most of my clothes are cotton. The saying in Antarctica is "Cotton Kills!" The reason is that cotton holds moisture and keeps you cold. You need clothes that are made of material that "wics" (repels) the moisture, such as silk, nylon, or other man-made fabrics. I hope I packed the right things.
Another issue is how much luggage I can take. I thought that I could bring two suitcases that each weighed less than 75 pounds. As you read in an earlier journal, I was wrong. You can check 75 pounds of luggage for the flight to Antarctica. This includes the cold weather gear that you are not wearing, your boomerang bag (a bag of items that you will get if the plane turns back without landing in Antarctica due to weather because the rest of your luggage will not be available unless you are delayed for more than three days), and the rest of your stuff. It's not the number of bags but how much they weigh. You are allowed one carry-on bag. It doesn't matter how much it weighs but it must fit in a box that they have. You can also leave items in New Zealand that you can collect on your way home. A lot of people were struggling to follow the rules. It was actually lucky that one of my bags was lost or I would definitely have been over the weight limit.
We checked our bags and received a boarding pass. Then Scott, Seth, and I went to eat breakfast. At 7:10am everyone (over 100 people) met and watched a video about what we can expect in Antarctica. Then it was time to board a bus to take us to the plane. As you walk to the plane you grab a bag lunch with a bottle of water. This is not a commercial flight but rather a plane from the United States Air Force. There are seats in the middle and along the sides. It is so loud that they give you earplugs. However, no one seems to mind because they know that this is their chariot to an incredible journey.
The plane ride to Antarctica was a crowded and slightly uncomfortable one but no one seemed to mind.
We took off at around 9:30am. I spent the next four hours catching up on my journal entries. I don't want to spend the next few days playing catch-up because there will be much more interesting things to do.
I did take a break to go up on the flight deck. The view was amazing! It was ice everywhere you looked and it reminded you of a snow-covered pond, but what a big pond. Even the crew was in awe of such an incredible sight.
I had a chance to go to the flight deck of the plane and view Antarctica. It was white everywhere you looked and incredibly beautiful.
Finally we landed!!!
As I stepped off the plane I was stunned by the beauty of everything around me. Words don't seem to do it justice. We were told not to stop and take pictures but no one could help themselves.
The passengers are quick to want to leave the plane and see Antarctica, but they are slow to stop looking at everything around them and board the vehicles.
You can't help but notice Mount Erebus. It looms over McMurdo Station puffing white smoke that looks like clouds drifting up into the heavens. It is an active volcano but it hasn't had a major eruption in about 800 years. I wonder if that means that it is due.
The majestic Mount Erebus is an active volcano that erupts several times each day.
Arriving in Antarctica means the start of a series of trainings. It begins with a "Welcome to Antarctica" briefing. You learn the basic rules, get some health advice, and then you are given the keys to your room. The next step is to collect your linens, pick up your luggage, and then take everything to your room and hope that your key works. Now it should come as no surprise that we were unable to find one of my bags. I just don't seem to be having any luck with my luggage.
When we walked into the building for our first briefing we were greeted by Bob. He gave us each a hug and made us feel like we really belonged. A part of me kept thinking that someone would tell me that I had to turn around and go home or that this was all just a dream. When you want something for so long it almost seems unreal when it finally comes true. I am so thankful to be in Antarctica and Antarctica appears to really want me. She greeted me and Scott with clear, beautiful weather
Antarctica is a land of sun and snow.
My first dinner in McMurdo was actually quite good. There is a large dining room that reminds you of one that you might find in a college. There is definitely plenty of food. They even have a soft ice cream machine known as "Frosty Boy." It is very popular.
After dinner we went to the lab which is located in a building known as Crary Lab. There was a social for science support staff and grantees (I'm considered a grantee). Stacy and I went up to the gathering and I met a few people. It was a little hard because I was so darn tired and believe it or not I was hot (really!).
I guess I looked as tired as I felt because Stacy told me to take my stuff to my room and relax. When I got to my room I promptly lied down on the bed. It has been a long, exciting day. I am finally in Antarctica and I can't wait to wake up and experience it all. Good night.